10 Little-Known Historical Facts That Will Surprise You

History is rich with events, individuals, and intriguing stories that often go untold. While we all know the major events that shaped the world, many fascinating details are hidden beneath the surface, waiting to be uncovered. In this article, we delve into ten little-known historical facts that are sure to surprise you and spark your curiosity about the past.

1. Cleopatra Was Closer in Time to the Moon Landing Than to the Pyramids

Cleopatra VII, the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, lived around 30 BCE. The Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was completed around 2560 BCE. This means that Cleopatra lived about 2,500 years after the pyramid’s completion but only about 2,000 years before the first moon landing in 1969. It’s a striking reminder of just how vast the timeline of history really is.

2. The Shortest War in History Lasted Just 38 to 45 Minutes

The Anglo-Zanzibar War, fought between the United Kingdom and the Sultanate of Zanzibar on August 27, 1896, is officially the shortest war on record. The conflict arose over a succession dispute following the death of the pro-British Sultan. In under an hour, British forces effectively dismantled the Sultan’s artillery and captured the palace, leading to the sultanate’s surrender.

3. The Eiffel Tower Can Be 15 cm Taller in the Summer

The Eiffel Tower, made of iron, expands in the heat. During hot weather, the metal expands and can make the tower grow about 15 cm (6 inches) taller. This thermal expansion is a phenomenon caused by the increase in temperature, allowing molecules to move more freely, thus taking up more space and affecting even monumental structures like the Eiffel Tower.

4. The First Computer Programmer Was a Woman

Ada Lovelace, an English mathematician and writer, is often regarded as the first computer programmer. In the mid-19th century, she worked on Charles Babbage’s early mechanical general-purpose computer, the Analytical Engine. She wrote what is considered the first algorithm intended for implementation on a machine, which means she was essentially programming before programming was even a defined field.

5. Ancient Romans Used Urine as Mouthwash

The ancient Romans had some unconventional hygiene practices. They collected urine in pots and used it as a mouthwash because of its ammonia content, believed to help bleach teeth. Additionally, urine was also used in laundry because of its ability to remove stains. This may sound strange today, but it was a common practice at the time!

6. Oxford University Is Older Than the Aztec Empire

The University of Oxford in England is one of the oldest universities in the world, with teaching as far back as 1096. In contrast, the Aztec Empire is believed to have begun in 1428 with the founding of Tenochtitlan. This fact is a testament to the ancient roots of European education compared to the more recent rise of empires in the Americas.

7. The First Animated Feature Film Was Made in Argentina

While many people credit Disney with the invention of animation, the first animated feature film is actually “El Apostol,” created in 1917 by Argentine cartoonist Quirino Cristiani. This film is notable for its unique animation style and storytelling, paving the way for the future of animated films.

8. The Great Wall of China Wasn’t Visible from Space

Contrary to popular belief, the Great Wall of China is not visible from space with the naked eye. Astronauts have confirmed that while it is an impressive structure, the same color as the surrounding landscape, making it difficult to distinguish. This myth likely originated from exaggerated stories, but the reality is much simpler.

9. Napoleon Wasn’t Actually Short

Napoleon Bonaparte has become synonymous with the idea of a short leader. However, he was actually around 5 feet 7 inches tall, which was average height for a Frenchman in his time. The confusion arises from the difference in measurement systems; his height in French inches would convert to taller than the stereotype suggests.

10. The King of Hearts is the Only King Without a Moustache

Playing cards have a long and fascinating history, and among the four kings in a standard deck, the King of Hearts is unique for being depicted without a moustache. This has led to various theories about his portrayal. While not necessarily a ‘historical fact,’ it’s an interesting detail in card design that many people overlook.

Conclusion

History is filled with surprises and lesser-known facts that can reshape our understanding of the past. These ten intriguing insights illustrate that history is not only about significant events but also about the quirky, little-known details that contribute to our collective story. So, the next time you think about historical figures and events, remember there’s often more than meets the eye!